Kasa making up ground quick in TE competition

One would think two third-year veterans would have a big edge over two rookies and two undrafted free agents in a battle for a starting spot. One would be wrong when it comes to the Raiders’ tight end position.
Rookie Nick Kasa picked that up quickly at training camp.
“It’s really, really competitive between all six guys,” he said. “It’s for grabs and the guy that works the hardest is going to get it.
“Luckily, all six of us get along really well.”We profiled Mychal Rivera (see main story). Here’s a quick look at the other five:Kasa: Drafted for his blocking and has shown the ability to get down the middle of field as well. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Kasa was way behind because of a hamstring injury at offseason workouts but after a tentative start to camp, is closing the gap.
“It started off rough, but I am making up ground,” Kasa said. “I was thinking about the hamstring, didn’t want to pull it again, but it’s loosening up pretty good now.”
The Raiders drafted the former defensive end to be an inline blocker but he has made good strides with his hands.
“I haven’t had a bad drop all camp,” Kasa said.David Ausberry: The former USC receiver has put on 20 pounds in his three years (he’s 6-4, 258 now) and has flashed big-play ability. Head coach Dennis Allen said the issue has been assignment recollection and blocking, but that he’s gotten better.
“David Ausberry is another guy I’ve been impressed with,” Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. “He’s really improved. He has a better understanding of what we’re trying to ask him to do, and we’re going to continue to put the pressure on him and press him to see who, at the end of the day, stands up and responds and catches the ball and wins the battle.”Richard Gordon (6-4, 268): The best special teams player of the bunch and has also played fullback, due to his violent blocking. May be safe due to experience, versatility.Brian Leonhardt (6-5, 255): The rookie out of Bemidji State (Minn.) got some unsolicited praise for his blocking from offensive coordinator Greg Olson.Jeron Mastrud (6-5, 255): The fourth-year vet had one catch for 8 yards in 36 career games with the Dolphins. He came here because the five previous names screamed opportunity to him.
Briefly: First-round pick D.J. Hayden tweaked his hamstring Monday, but the cornerback wasn’t going to play anyway in Friday’s preseason opener because of his two offseason surgeries. Allen also ruled out second-round pick Menelik Watson, as the tackle hasn’t practiced yet because of an undisclosed injury.